Halloween brownies are one of the easiest ways to bring spooky fun to your dessert table. With a rich chocolate base and simple decorations, they quickly turn into festive treats kids and adults both love. In this Halloween Brownies Recipe, Spiderweb Brownies shine as the hero, while Mummy and Oreo versions add variety. Since they’re quick to prepare and simple to decorate, you can easily serve them at parties or school events. For an even easier starting point, try our Easy Brownie Recipe before adding spooky designs. In addition, these brownies work just as well for a cozy family movie night.
Why You’ll Love It
These Halloween brownies are simple to decorate, so even beginners can make them look festive. In addition, they can be customized in endless ways, from spiderweb swirls to mummy drizzles to Oreo-studded squares. As a result, you can prepare one batch and still create several unique looks. Because they are fun to share, this Halloween Brownies Recipe is one you’ll want to bring back every year. If you love holiday baking, you might also enjoy our Pumpkin Chocolate Brownies for another seasonal twist.
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Halloween Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 24 brownies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fun Halloween brownies topped with peanut butter cup spiders, complete with licorice legs and candy eyes.
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix (plus eggs, oil and water called for on box)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 24 mini peanut butter cups
- 1/2 cup chocolate frosting
- 1/4 cup white icing or candy melts
- Black licorice laces or string (for spider legs)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a baking pan.
- Prepare brownie mix as directed. Stir in chocolate chips, then pour into pan.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until set. Cool completely in pan.
- Cut cooled brownies into squares. Press a mini peanut butter cup into each square, using chocolate frosting to hold it in place.
- Cut licorice into short lengths. Arrange 6–8 legs around each peanut butter cup.
- Pipe two eyes on each peanut butter cup with white icing or melted candy melts. Let set before serving.
Notes
You can use candy eyes instead of piping. For a nut-free version, replace peanut butter cups with chocolate truffles or sandwich cookies. These brownies store well for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
These brownies come together with just a few pantry staples and some playful Halloween add-ons. The base starts with a simple brownie mix, while chocolate chips make it richer and peanut butter cups turn each square into a spider body. Licorice laces and icing finish the spooky look, so you get both flavor and fun in every bite.
Pantry & Fresh
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Brownie mix (plus eggs, oil, water on box) | 1 box |
| Semisweet chocolate chips | 1 cup |
| Mini peanut butter cups | 24 pieces |
| Chocolate frosting | ½ cup |
| White icing or candy melts | ¼ cup |
| Black licorice laces or string | As needed for spider legs |
Substitutions
You can swap white chocolate with candy melts or cream cheese frosting for easy piping. If you need a gluten-free option, use a certified mix and the recipe will still taste rich and fudgy. When Oreos are unavailable, chocolate sandwich cookies or peanut butter cups work well. Finally, if you don’t have candy eyes, small dots of melted chocolate and icing make a great stand-in.
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Bake the Brownies
First, prepare your brownie mix or homemade batter according to the package or recipe instructions. Then bake until set, and allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting.
Step 2: Cut and Arrange
Next, cut the cooled brownies into even squares or circles. This step matters because even shapes make decorating easier.
Step 3: Create Spiderwebs
After cutting, melt white chocolate or prepare icing. Pipe a spiral from the center outward. Then drag a toothpick through the spiral lines to form spiderwebs.
Step 4: Add Decorations
Finally, place candy eyes, Oreos, or extra icing drizzles on top. As a result, each brownie takes on its own spooky look.
Pro Tips
For cleaner spiderwebs, use a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with the corner snipped. Always let brownies cool fully, because warm brownies can melt the icing. If you prefer circles, a cookie cutter helps create neat shapes. In addition, you can save time by preparing decorations in advance and finishing just before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
Spiderweb brownies are the classic choice, but mummy brownies are equally fun with zigzag icing and candy eyes. Oreo brownies add crunch and Halloween color when baked into the batter. If you need to adjust for diets, use dairy-free chocolate and vegan frosting. For a budget-friendly version, skip specialty candy and stick with simple chocolate drizzle. Because this Halloween Brownies Recipe is flexible, you can adapt it to match any celebration.
Serve It With
Serve these brownies with a loaf of Honey Banana Bread for cozy flavor or add a side of Spicy Honeynut Squash Soup to balance the sweetness. For drinks, pair them with a refreshing Berry Green Tea Smoothie or a hot mug of apple cider.
Storage & Reheat
To keep brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature. If you like them warm, heat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. For more guidance, check the USDA Food Safety Basics on safe handling and storage.
Nutrition
Each serving (1 brownie) has about 210 calories, with 10g fat, 28g carbs, and 2g protein. Because decoration varies, these values are approximate.
FAQs
You can drizzle white icing to make mummy stripes, pipe spiderwebs with melted chocolate, or top with candy eyes. In addition, festive sprinkles and Halloween Oreos make decorating quick and fun.
Yes, brownies can be baked a day or two before serving. However, decorate them just before the event so the designs look fresh and bright.
Pipe a spiral with melted white chocolate or icing. Then drag a toothpick from the center outward in several lines, which creates the classic web effect.
Absolutely. Buy plain brownies, then add spiderwebs, candy eyes, or Oreos. This shortcut works well when you’re short on time.
More Like This
Try our Graveyard Dirt Cups layered with crushed cookies and gummy worms for another party favorite. Next, bake Ghost Cupcakes topped with fluffy frosting and candy eyes for a hauntingly cute treat.
Save This Recipe for Later
Halloween comes once a year, so save this recipe today. These brownies are chocolatey, festive, and fun to decorate. Because they’re easy to make and share, they’re perfect for parties, bake sales, or family movie nights. Share them with friends or pin them for your next spooky celebration.
